Carpet-cleaning rack.



UNITED STATES f PATENT OFFICE.'

FRANK `V. JOHNSON, OF STERLING, ILLINOIS.

CARPET-CLEANING RACK.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of nettereratent No. 698,508, dated April a9, 190e. Y lApplicativi: tiled May 20, 1901.` Serial No. 61,010. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern;

Be it known that I, FRANK V. JOHNSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Sterling, in the county of Whiteside and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in OarpetOleaning Racks; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to carpet-cleaning racks, and aims to provide a simple and convenient means for supporting a carpet, rug, or similar article while the same is being submitted to the process of beating in order to remove an accumulation of dirt therefrom.

Briefly stated, my device consists of a network of cords or wires supported in a hori- 'zontal position at a convenient height above the ground and mechanism for imparting to 'such network any desired degree of tension. It is also 'capable of being folded up into compact space for the purpose of storage or shipment. p'

In the drawings,`Figure 1 is a plan view of my invention ready for use. Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof with the side pieces removed. Fig. 3 is an end elevation thereof with the end pieces removed. Fig. 4 is a plan view of one end of theframe 1, showing one l pair of ratchet-engaging loops 10.

Similar characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

1 represents the frame of my device, supported by legs 2, pivotallysecured thereto, as at a, and held in position when in use by braces 3, also pivotally secured to the frame 1, as at b, and detachably secured to the legs 2.

Each end of .the frame 1 `is provided with two supporting-arms 4, pivotally secured on the inner side of the frame l, as at c, each of said arms having a recess 5 at its outer en'd. Supportedby each pair of arms 4 is a crosspiece 6, seated in the recesses 5 and held in place by dowel-pins 7 (shown in dotted lines) in the ends of the arms 4, entering corresponding perforationsin the cross-pieces 6.

Secured tothe cross-pieces 6 is a series of parallel cords or wires 8 of uniform length, such cords being fastened to the cross-pieces in any suitable manner. The length of the cords 8 is such that when extended the horizontal plane thereof ,will be slightly above the horizontal plane of the frame l. Pivotally secured to each arm4 is a ratchet-bar 9, passing through and engaging loops or staples 10 on the frame 1.

Two pairs of arms 11 are secured to the frame `1 by means of hooks 12 in the ends of such arms engaging eyes 13 on the frame. Secured to each pair ot' arms 11 is the crosslpiece 14. A series of parallel cords 15, similar to the cords 9, is secured between the cross-pieces 14, such cordsl crossing the cords 9 at right angles and being immediately beneaththe same. 11.1

Pivotally secured to each arm 11 is a ratchetbar 16, passing 'through and engaging loops 17 onerose-pieces 18, passing beneath the frame 1. The cross-pieces 18 are not secured tothe frame 1, being held in position against the same by the ratchet-bar 16.

In preparing the rack for use the cross pieces of either series of cords are forced downwardly until the cords are sufficiently tight, being then locked in such position by the ratchet-bars and the supportingfarms. A carpet or rug is then placed on `the network of cords and beaten, the dust passing ont below. The operator is assisted greatly by a reactionV or jar of the cords themselves, thus increasing the agitation of the article being cleaned. In beating a carpet the operator has the article before him at a convenient height andis enabled to work in a natural position, such as cannot be enjoyed incleaning a carpet upon aline or onthe ground. The flabor attending the elevation of a carpet on a line and the removal thereof is also done away with. Y

It is designed to have the rack of sufficient size to accommodate an ordinary carpet or rug; but in cases where the carpet exceeds the rack in size the carpet may be moved gradually across the rack from one side to the other thereof, or in the cleaning of long strips the operator may stand at one end of the rack and move the carpet toward himself as the ICG same is cleaned, rolling up the cleaned porililion upon the edge of the rack in front of My device can be set up in a barn or other building having sufficient space and carpets cleaned thereon in any kind of weather or at any season of the year. It is not only useful for the purpose for which it is specially constructed, but bedding or clothing may be supported thereon for the purpose of cleaning or airing the same.

To reduce the invention above described to a smaller compass, the cords 8 are rst loosened sufficiently to permit the removal of the cross-pieces 6, such cords being then rolled up thereon. The cross-pieces 18 are then detached by being released from engagement with theratchet-bars 16. The arms 11 are then unhooked, the cross-pieces 14 folded together, and the cords 15 wrapped about the same. The arms 4 are folded inwardly and the legs 2 folded outwardly against the frame 1.rv The braces 3 are also closed against the frame, and the device is caused to occupy a space verylittle greater than the dimensions of the frame itself.

What I claimas my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, 1s-

1. In a carpet-cleaning rack, the combination of the frame 1, and means of support therefor; cross-pieces 6, pivotally secured by means of supporting-arms 4 to the frame 1; cords 8; cross-pieces 14, and the cords 8 and 15 pivotally secured by means of supportingarms 11 to the frame 1; cords 15; and means for securing the cross-pieces 6 and 14 in any desired position; substantially as shown and set forth.

2. In a carpet-cleaning rack, the combination of the frame 1, provided with loops 10; arms 4, pivotally secured to the frame 1, and provided with the ratchet-bars 9; cross-pieces G and cords 8; and means of support for the frame 1; substantially as set forth.

3. In a carpet-cleaning rack, the combination of the frame 1; legs 2, pivotally secured thereto; arms 4, pivotally secured to the frame 1; cross-pieces 6, detachably secured to the arms 4; and arms 11, detachably secured to the frame 1, and supporting ythe cross-pieces 14; cords 8; and cords 15; substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRANK v. JoHNsoN.

Witnesses:

I. L. WEAVER, J. E. McPHnRsoN'. 

